WTF Am I Doing With My Candle Business?

[@mmegwen]

100 percent feeling you today! I’m launching my online business in September, and although pretty much keeping to my timeline, I feel so all over the place. Many WTF moments. I love the mix of videos on your channel and your honesty.. Keep it up!

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Thank you for this feedback and congrats on your launch in September how exciting!

[@joniinnocenti431]

Girl, I 100% feel this all of the time. It was so nice to hear you talk about this in the video. Thank you for always being so honest

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

[@kirstenseebald9515]

All the Time Ashley, it's an up and down business all the time ,and the down time can be well dam scary. I sell soap as well as body butters and scrubs and candles, my online sales just sucks I do well at shows a lot better , I think because it's a touchy feely I have to smell products. but I have seen with the economy the way it is, that people are not buying or very careful what they buy, which in it's self is scary. I still don't know what I am doing, I know wear I would like to be but struggle how to get there, We put are heart and sole into are business and at the end would love to know where we are heading but do we really know. listening to you is a breath of fresh air, you don't sugar coat which I know a lot of us like, and we can relate, keep the videos coming you are an inspiration and great teacher.

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Oh the steps in between are the hardest. Keep going and don’t let the slow rattle the fear that it will be like that forever. It’s an ebb and flow! You’ve got this!

[@mhatch8946]

Ashley, you're doing amazing. I've relocated out of state and am trying to get a handle on my business. I've been dealing with trying to figure out where I go from here. You're killing it!!

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

You've got this! Good luck!

[@chocolatesugar4434]

I just like to watch your business grow tbh, see what obstacles come up and how you solve them too, and hearing about your plans for the business and why - it’s all very interesting as a fellow candle biz owner (although my biz is very very small in comparison atm due to lack of funding but doing things slowly works for me tbh). Your perseverance and positive attitude is encouraging too ❤

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Thank you for sharing this! I appreciate you watching and the feedback!

[@joniperiu8308]

Hi!!!!!!!!!!! I am so spinning with you. My mind is on the move and I'm waiting for it to slowwww down.

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

It's a merry go round, for sure!

[@civilizeddiva]

9:15-9:28: Soap making Crafting (e.g., Cricut, reactive toner & hot foil, paper) Pseudo-marketer -graphic designer (no technical skills, just KZbin😅) Your day-to-day business shares, resources (e.g., Makesy) Learning from an entrepreneur

[@MikellNielsen]

WTF? is my mantra. Been creating my candle biz for the past 7 months. 4 vessel changes, 3 wick changes, 7 different types of wax, fragrances out the wazoo, 12 different label designs, 6 logo revisions, thousands of dollars spent and numerous other things….I’m about to launch in September. I’m not ready. My website isn’t done as well as other business necessities. So, yeah, WTF am I doing? I would love more details about some of the things you have already chatted about. Maybe more about candle making too? For instance were and are your candles perfect or do you experience sinkholes, sweating, etc.? I’m kind of beat down by these things. I love what I’m doing, but I’m not sure what I’m doing. Lol You and your content are very relatable and inspiring. I’m just out here in candle land, winging it. Am I headed in the right direction? Thanks Ashley…you are so generous with your knowledge and time…I’m very grateful. ❤

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Hey there! Yes my friend it sounds like you’re going through it. But it also sounds like you need a good sit down with yourself to make some decisions, put some blinders on and focus on what YOU want for YOUR brand. It’s hard. Stop looking at what others are doing, look at what you want. Remove the pressure of your launch timeline, perfect your craft and the rest will fall into place when you remove the clutter. You’ve got this. Likely everything is right in front of you already! Check out some videos on my channel because there are a handful that should reach out and grab you based on where you are right now! Like are you ready to launch?! You’ve got this! And you’re feeling all the normal things!

[@MikellNielsen]

@@UpsideGoodsCo Thanks for that reminder!!! I know it and I get off track sometimes. Feeling calmer now. xo

[@snapfires5127]

I appreciate that you mentioned on top of the video that you are not sure what you will talk about. Half way through the video I realized I am still not sure what this video is about. I don't feel bad since I was warned. After half way I closed the video, no hard feelings.

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Sounds like it worked out!

[@suzanneh3052]

100% yes to all of this. I literally just had this conversation with myself this morning. I made the decision to forego a traditional fall candle line this year and go with fragrances that work all year. Sometimes it’s the best thing one can do is to stop just doing what you always do as a business owner and shake the dice in the cup a bit. Thank you for this video!

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@EarthsRhythmDoula]

Keep doing you.. we love it.. I started with doing kids' shirts, tutus, mugs and tumblers for 2 years which turned into sewing back packs and jelly vinyl party bags for 6 months then randomly spent a week looking into doing more party things (yes i even started to set up a website) got overwhelmed and stopped im on day 5 of this funk with everything currently on a break

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@latricejohnson3210]

I was just thinking about you last week. Like, where is she?! Good to see you back.

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

I’m here!!!

[@Yellowrosecandleco]

I enjoy all of your content and find it 100% relatable. Just updating everyone on how everything is going is so comforting. I can relate with the wtf am I doing headspace. Do I want to do more markets? No. Do I want to go crazy with wholesale? No. I don’t want to do what everyone else is doing but I still want my business to grow. Lol

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

And here we are all just spinning on this great big planet in a sea of WTF! haha

[@cbpapp]

Ashley, I want to be where you are. Every time you post a new video I know I absolutely will watch it! I’m sweating it out trying to launch, hell, I don’t know, in September!?! You and your thoughts are NOT alone! You may have already posted this topic, can’t remember? Do you physically take your orders to the post office or do they pick them up from you? I have a shop on Shopify I’ve been paying for for months! I become paralyzed with fear, then I think, “Hey, you got this!” It’s a ping pong world and we’re ALL the ball! Will my candles sell or is the market too saturated?! I do manage to catch myself before I spin out into the Universe. I love your videos, on the fly, or in “your space” which feels very chill to me, it’s calming, I can’t explain why, it just is. I think I just typed a whole lotta shit and asked nothing that would be helpful to you? But, I do know one thing…..I love your happy smile and upbeat attitude! You give me hope that I can be where you are with your candle business, at a point in the future. Thank you for this video! It WAS helpful to know you question your choices as much as I do, so Thank You! Much love to you and your fam! 🙏🏻❤️🕊

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Thanks for watching!!

[@Sweetescapessoapery]

Hi! I’m a soap maker and a recent subscriber- followed for small business talk and just hot-mess vibe haha that’s me 😊

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Yay! I'm glad you're here!

[@mysticalfusions]

I am so with you! I am a candle maker. I own Mystical Fusions and I to see the ups and downs and question the what is next, how can I make myself shine in this market. I have pin pointed my weakest link would definitely be marketing/social media. I am a product of my Gen X up bringing and that shit be hard for me. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣 UGH!!

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

It's rough out there! I hope you are seeing some light though! Good luck!

[@MereofallTrades]

I like all your content which is probably pretty obvious since I watch all your videos and comment on most of them. It's nice to see someone else who is questioning things because the imposter syndrome is alive and well. I enjoy your scent reviews, I really like your business and marketing tips and your behind the scenes.

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

I appreciate you! We’ve been on this journey for a while, my friend!

[@Cuterful2]

I learned to love candle making in 2020 and admire you for going out there and starting a successful business. So, I find updates on how your business is doing interesting and love candle scent reviews (especially by candle science) lol

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

That is awesome! We just made another review video and I was told somethings in the mail from CS 🤫 so I’ve got you covered! Thanks for watching!

[@maricris2561]

I feel this video is absolutely perfect. I’m about to re launch and seeing how you feel gives me confidence. I’m always questioning why would people buy from me when there’s so many more makers or better products maybe. Thank you for helping me see I’m not the only one that gets confused? Doubts? Not sure what the word would be. I love the videos that help with the business part that helps a lot.

[@amrutaparmar1652]

i have actually learnt so much from you when i was starting out, that words wil never be enough for how thankful i am for you sharing everything so generously over here, your struggles, your wins, and everything in between. i love the fragrance reviews the most and i always make lists when going through your videos. i love your honesty and goofyiness. i am always swinging between hell yeah i crushed it today to WTF am i doing. hehe. you aint alone. i sometime sthink of giving up, but i just cant either. hehe. thank you for being YOU. I LOVEEEEEE YOU! even though we have never met, i feel like we already know each other for ever. have a kick ass dayyou goofy sassy maker!

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

This just absolutely made my day. Thank you for this and it makes me dedicating the time that is already limited to this endeavor a lot easier and more worth it! So thank you for sharing this with me! xo

[@scentyful]

I totally agree with the comments from demetrius (below). Took the words right out of my mouth! I'm in the process of getting my candle and soap business off the ground. It's been fun, difficult (wicks, right?!!!) I'm also going to soon be including bath bombs to my line. It took me a while to realize I needed to streamline. I was all over the place in the beginning in 2021. I had way too many jars of various sizes, too many ideas, too much of a hot mess. Now, I'm focusing more - which is hard to do when you are ADD. Your videos make me feel normal and you verbalize a lot of what I'm experiencing and feeling, so you are my "unpaid therapist" at the moment :) I love all of the videos I've watched so far and look forward to many more. Cheers to you with your continued success as well as the rest of us!

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

You are normal, first and foremost! Make a list, those baddies help me daily even when I want to make them the least! You’ve got this!

[@emilystallings4629]

Feel this way a lot of days. Then I go into Why couldn’t I be a normal person and work a 9-5 job without getting burned out? Why do I feel driven to do this particular work and not, say, sell real estate or PartyLite candles (hahaha!) instead of doing everything from scratch - making, testing, packaging, advertising, selling, web design, tracking…it’s like having another baby the amount of work I do. And that’s when I go, ah ha. It is my baby, it’s a total labor of love. And the creating, the nurturing, the growing, the tantrums, the complete devotion and time requirements-it becomes a life of its own that I helped create. And I’m so proud!! Wow, that went pretty deep. I was just going to give the video a thumbs up and call it good. So Thanks for the therapy session today!! 😂

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Oh the tantrums! Both internal and external. Yes, I feel this sentiment to my core! I’m glad you shared a bit more than a thumbs up! Deep breaths and thanks for being here!

[@treefortnaturals4738]

Good chat!

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Thanks!

[@AndreaLambert-bi8jj]

I think you are hysterical and love your honesty. I’ve been creating my company and testing for over a year and have made a lot of progress but still struggling to get my website where it needs to be among other things. There’s just so much! We all have to enjoy the journey right? I am going to hit you up with a 30 for 30 one of these days once I get my questions nailed down 😂

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@pamelastengel3884]

p-ha!!! Litterally just said that, so I decided to take a break and there you were! very odd lol I like watching others on my little down times (breaks) and your energy and transparency is what I enjoy 🙂.However, my mind is like a sponge, so all of the tips, tricks, advice etc is very helpful as well. Thank you!

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Oh wow! It was meant to be! I’m glad some of its helpful! Good luck out there and thanks for watching!

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

Im just starting out so im definitely all over the place

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Oh yes! That’s the hardest part for sure. It will shake out and then you’ll just have other bills to climb but it’s worth it!

[@yvettescreativelab1341]

I like your hair ! That’s why I watch .. jk 😆.. not the only reason … you seem like a very quality / quantity type of person .. and in the candle biz .. there is an overwhelmingly number of candle supply companies to choose from .. and I like your honest review on quality products

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

I appreciate that! 🤣 thanks so much for being here!

[@enlightentheoccasion]

I'm here for all of it. Love your realness! Definitely been feeling the wtf moment in my business too! All the hats we wear is so crazy sometimes! My business sells more of one thing than the other. I sell about 90% color tip matches and about 10% candles. I love listening to your videos while packing orders ❤😂😊

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

You sell matches?! How cool is that? I feel like those are hard to find that aren’t in a jar already branded or decently priced in bulk. Do you sell bulk? I’m so glad you’re here! Thanks for watching.

[@enlightentheoccasion]

@UpsideGoodsCo 🤩 yes!!! We can do white label, private label, and no label. We have several different sizes too!

[@joniperiu8308]

Love matches. Awesome that you sell them I still carry matches in my purse/bag. Habbit since the 70s.

[@enlightentheoccasion]

@joniperiu8308 that is so cool! Do you typically carry a matchbox?

[@joniperiu8308]

@@enlightentheoccasion yes I do

[@hilaryquinn8673]

I’m always questioning! I make candles, soaps and bath and body products. I know I make too many products and wonder how it would be just to make one or two. Lol. Great video!

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

It's a merry go round of questions and doubt! I'm hoping to get off soon :)

[@amyduda24]

For me, I want to change the business name. That's where I am today. I think it's holding me back from growing my current candle biz knowing I want to rebrand. And kicking myself in the butt for using the new name originally or took the time to consider the company name. Ugh

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

No need to kick yourself. That only slows things down and you are needed for the next step! You’ve got this! It’s all a part of the process so remember that!

[@dejanzec9286]

I love your videos. I started making candles in October, then decided to make my own concrete jars . Got soy wax 464 but this week I switched to Coco 83 for a more luxurious look to my candles. I feel like I’m all over the place and I told everyone I’m kicking off this fall season lol. So now I have so much going on it’s a mess . Literally asked myself wtf this morning while testing new wax and wicks and haven’t even started a business yet . Ugh. So I enjoy watching and would love more videos on how to make things feel more luxe but for regular middle class, Midwest crowd. If that makes sense. If not, wtf lol

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Oh a last minute switcheroo! I’m familiar! Yeah testing is brutal and disclaimer, it never stops! You’ve got this though. Great suggestion on the making things feel more while on a budget, if you will. I’ll mull that over. Deep breaths!

[@lovefrommichigancandlesand5813]

There is not enough time in the day to get everything done. I am considering adding a delivery fee to my local customers to save them and me shipping. I am just not sure about them picking up at my house. There are weirdos in the world and it could possibly open the door for them to think it's ok to show up at my house randomly. Ashley can you go more in-depth on how you manage local orders?

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Amen on the time in the day. Girl, I had people at my house, my shop, it didn't matter. Definitely weirdos in the world but if anyone wanted to find my address, they could. They didn't need to buy a $40 candle to do it :)

[@candlesbyty]

Relatable! I’m currently changing so much and talking with a friend who majored in business so they’re advising me and it’s a lot! If you don’t mind me asking, what are your requirements when choosing fragrances? Does it have to check the phthalate free and prop 65 free box for you to try it? I’ve always went that way but lately I see all these good phthalate free but not prop 65 scents that I wish I could explore!

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

They have to be phthalate free for sure, if they check boxes more than that, I'm happy to pay more but that's the big one for my business.

[@KevinSandy2]

If you’re out of Zoloft, I can send some until you can get ahold of your Doctor.

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

When given the chance to be kind or this. I’ll always choose kind. Have a great day and I hope it’s more productive!

[@epiphany_hypnotherapy]

Hi Ashley! I love your videos and your sense of humor. I’m a hypnotherapist/massage therapist & I teach reiki. I make soap & topicals but want to get better at candle making and sell some in my tiny office. So I watch a lot of soap tutorials and candle makers. I love that you do multiple things too and I love that you are out here telling the truth because having a young small business is nerve wracking at times. You’re easy to listen to so whatever you talk about is entertaining.

[@UpsideGoodsCo]

Thank you so much for this feedback and making my day! I appreciate it and thank you for watching! Have a great day, my friend!